Andrew did not show even a hint of pity. He sneered. "Weren't you the one who wanted to kill me just now? So why are you crying now? You're supposed to be a major in the military, all high and mighty, right? Didn't you say I humiliated you and that you wanted to put me in my place?" As he spoke, he struck her again, his palm landing hard across her waist and backside. The sound of the slaps echoed in the quiet night, with only the distant city lights visible. Valerie's skin was impossibly smooth, and though Andrew was furious, he could not help but feel how unsettlingly soft she was under his hand. Valerie clenched her jaw and went still, her body trembling but refusing to move. Tears kept streaming down her face, yet her eyes turned icy cold, staring at him like he was her worst enemy. She growled, "Go ahead and kill me... But if you don't, or if I survive this, I swear, Andrew, you'll die for sure." Andrew scoffed, unbothered. "You were the one who came after me first, re

After dealing with Jaden, Andrew immediately shifted his focus to launching Medicine God's Covenant. As a brand-new organization built to compete directly with Sovereign's Apothecary, its road ahead was long and full of obstacles. One wrong move, and their powerful rival could easily crush them. Amari looked worried and did not share Andrew's optimism. He said, "Andrew, even with the Reyes family backing us, I still think this will be tough. Sovereign's Apothecary has connections all over Chetvine. Going head-to-head with them won't be easy." Andrew, however, seemed completely unbothered. "Amari, don't overthink it. Let's focus on the basics first. We open our doors, hire alchemists, start refining and selling elixirs, and build a reputation one client at a time. The rest will come naturally." His calm confidence made Amari relax a little. "Yeah, you're right. One step at a time, huh? Try to move too fast, and we'll end up tripping over ourselves. But Andrew, you'll have to handl

Inside the headquarters of Chetvine's Sovereign's Apothecary, Titus, who had already taken over leadership, frowned as he asked, "So Andrew really plans to challenge the Sovereign's Apothecary?" "Yes, Mr. Sterling. Andrew just bought a huge building next to Martial Tower, and he even secured the entire garden behind it from the Robertson family. From what I've gathered, he's got big ambitions, and he's clearly setting up to compete with us in alchemy," Mikayla replied. Titus let out a mocking laugh. "How ridiculous. Do they even realize what Sovereign's Apothecary represents in Holtrien's world of alchemy? Not to mention, I've got the Divine Alchemists behind me. Andrew and Amari might be talented, but thinking they can compete with us is pure fantasy." Mikayla looked uneasy. "Still, Mr. Sterling, I think we should be cautious. We can't just let the Medicine God's Covenant grow freely without interference." Titus turned to Theon. "Mr. Orben, what do you think?" Theon scoffed.

On the other side of the compound, Titus stormed out of his office and kicked open the door to Violet Gardens. Violet Gardens was the most elegant courtyard in Sovereign's Apothecary, and it was also Brielle's private residence. Dressed in a soft lavender gown, Brielle leaned lazily by the window, gently teasing a bird perched on her hand. The moment she saw Titus barge in, her brows knitted in displeasure. She said coldly, "Titus, not only did you come here uninvited, but you also broke in. Do you think your so-called seniority gives you that right now?" Titus' expression was thunderous as he strode closer, stopping only a few feet away from her. Brielle's tone turned icy. "Titus, have I been giving you too much leeway? What now? Are you planning to attack me?" Titus roared, "Don't play dumb! Tell me, what's going on between you and Andrew?" Brielle blinked, then laughed bitterly. "What's going on between us? What could there possibly be? You already drove him away. Th

Inside the Medicine God's Covenant, only Andrew, Amari, and a few alchemists were present. Suddenly, a few thugs swaggered in, clearly looking for trouble. With no other choice, Andrew decided to handle it himself. Before anyone could react, Andrew threw a few punches without even glancing at his targets. The thugs had come in standing tall but left crawling on the floor, completely unable to get back up. "Huh, not bad," a gravelly voice said. An older man in a gray suit stepped into the shop, his presence sharp and oppressive. His energy was fierce, clearly a martial saint. He continued, "But it doesn't matter. Even if God himself showed up, this store isn't staying open today." Andrew stepped toward him and said calmly, "Are you done talking?" The old man frowned, giving a dark chuckle. "Maybe you should at least know who I am. That way, you'll understand just how deep a hole you're digging." Andrew waved dismissively. "Not necessary. Whoever you are, I couldn't care